SECO Energy employees have participated in an annual employee-funded United Way Pledge Drive for local communities for decades. During the 2020 United Way Pledge Drive, SECO employees donated $70,316 that will benefit local families living in SECO’s service area.
The $70,316 pledged by SECO employees for the 2020 drive is an increase of seven percent from the 2019 pledges. The donated funds will be distributed among ten local counties. The bulk of SECO employees live in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties and received the highest dollar amounts in donations. The breakdown by county is:
Citrus: $7,799
Lake: $14,316
Marion: $23,002
Sumter: $21,559
Other Counties (Hernando, Levy, Orange, Pasco, Polk and Volusia): $3,640
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “SECO’s ever-generous employees and their commitment to the communities we serve made our 2020 United Way Pledge Drive extremely successful. Our employees understand that local families need financial support year-round, and United Way is instrumental in leading the charge to improve lives. I truly appreciate the efforts of our employees and applaud their generosity.”
SECO’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins spearheads the annual employee giving campaign. She stated, “United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.” To join SECO Energy employees in supporting United Way, visit them online to donate or volunteer.
Learn more about SECO Energy’s Concern for Community online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
The dog days of summer have arrived. With warmer temperatures and increased humidity, your home’s HVAC works overtime to keep you cool. Pool pumps run for extended hours to prevent algae growth. These factors add up to increased kilowatt-hour use and higher electric bills.
SECO is your local not-for-profit electric cooperative committed to serving as your energy-efficiency partner. To help members reduce energy use, we’ve created energy-efficiency tools on our Energy Solutions menu.
Visit Energy Solutions today and complete our Home Energy Assessment. SECO designed this tool as an online audit that provides specialized energy-efficiency advice tailored to your home and lifestyle. The Home Energy Assessment is available to members 24/7. No need to wait for an appointment for an in-home audit.
To get started, input the characteristics of your home including age, construction, insulation and roof type. Include details about occupancy, type and number of windows, and exterior doors. The Home Energy Assessment will also query about completed energy-efficiency upgrades such as additional insulation, window tint, weather stripping and caulking.
After entering your home’s details, provide your email address to receive your energy-efficiency report based on your home’s specifics. It will provide low-cost ways to decrease your energy usage and your bill.
Win a prize! 1) Nest Wi-Fi Thermostat 2) Honeywell Wi-Fi Thermostat or 3) Ecobee Wi-Fi Thermostat. Members who complete the Home Energy Assessment will be entered in a drawing for the high-tech programmable thermostats listed above. Three winners will be drawn August 15.
ENERGY STAR recommends using your programmable thermostat’s energy-efficiency settings to save as much as $180 per year.
Browse the Energy Solutions tab for other energy-efficiency tools. Our Energy Estimator calculates the amount of energy and cost for electronics and appliances.
It’s pretty handy if you’re thinking of adding a pool, charging a golf cart or installing a refrigerator in the garage or lanai.
SECO is proud to serve as your energy-efficiency partner.
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
SECO Energy is a strong corporate citizen. Our cooperative supports programs based on commitment to the key cooperative principle “Concern for Community.” SECO Energy is also a not-for-profit utility. We do not have the deep pockets of investor-owned, for-profit organizations. Thus, we partner with organizations whose culture and programs align with our core values and purpose.
Annually, we ally with United Way chapters to facilitate employee pledging. Over the years, employees have donated $860,000. In addition, SECO provides quarterly allocations from our Pennies from Heaven program to fund local agencies for bill payment assistance for members in need.
Over the holidays, we sponsor a Toys for Tots drive, and our Member Service Centers are designated drop off locations. Our employees are annual, generous supporters of the program, donating hundreds of bikes, trikes and toys over the years.
SECO is also a strong corporate participant in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events raising $132,000 over the last decade. Based on our headquarters’ location, we belong to the Sumter County Relay program but we also provide funding to other counties’ Relay programs on a pro-rata basis.
To request that SECO sponsor or donate to your organization, please use our new Contact Us form. Submissions based on these focuses will be considered:
Please note SECO does not sponsor individual sports teams or booster club initiatives, as there are thousands across our service territory. SECO participates in golf tournaments selectively if we can set up a booth to engage with members. We fund initiatives in our seven-county footprint of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco and Sumter.
Individual bill payment, basic need or job training assistance is offered by Florida 211 and funded by our Pennies from Heaven program. Members can call or text 211 to request assistance.
Take the bite out of damaging power surges and spikes with SECO Energy’s “Made in the USA” Surge MitiGator. Power surges are sudden, powerful increases in voltage which can damage or destroy household appliances and electronic devices. The most obvious cause of surges is lightning, but birds, small animals, trees or vehicles crashing into power poles are culprits as well.
Protect your home’s large appliances by leasing or purchasing SECO’s Surge MitiGator. Enroll online through August 30th and installation (a $25 value) is free. Lease the Surge MitiGator for $5.95 per month or purchase for $349 (standard 200-amp service). For residential services greater than 200 amps, the purchase price is $399 with $75 installation. Studies indicate that more than half of all surges actually originate from inside the home so be sure to also purchase point-of-use devices at your local hardware or big box store to protect your electronics.
Learn more about SECO Energy’s Surge MitiGator online. Protect your home’s appliances from surges – lease or purchase the Surge MitiGator today.
DUSTIN MERRITT – SURGE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 15 YEARS
“SECO HELPS MEMBERS.” A Central Florida native raising four children in Webster with his wife Kimberly, Dustin has worked for SECO for 15 years. His SECO career began as a meter reader, and he eventually worked his way into Energy Services. Dustin was promoted to Supervisor of the Surge Protection Program in 2018. He is responsible for oversight of his team and SECO’s surge protection contractor. Dustin enjoys the opportunity to help and educate members. He and his team advocate the Surge MitiGator™ as protection against surges that may enter a home through power lines. Surges may occur due to downed lines, car accidents, animal contact or lightning strikes, and our surge protection ring installed at the meter base provides a layer of protection for large motor driven appliances in the home. Visit with Dustin or one of his team members by emailing Surge.
Congratulations to Norma Jean Bottoms from Paisley who is the winner of the Microsoft Surface Go! Ms. Bottoms registered to join America’s electric cooperatives’ advocacy hub the Cooperative Action Network. You too can become a key voice for electric co-ops to protect affordable, reliable energy in Florida. Visit www.action.coop to learn more.
Hundreds of members played 2018 Annual Report trivia with SECO on our Facebook page. Our three winners are: Jonathan Dove from Clermont won the Apple iPad; the $200 bill credit went to Rosalie Wilke from Ocala; and Carolyn Wheelis from Sorrento won the Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostat. Congratulations, winners!
Atlantic hurricane season makes its formal appearance on June 1 and ends November 30. In early May, however, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) was already tracking its first tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. NHC, a part of NOAA, at the time this publication went to print, had not released its official forecast.
The Weather Channel 2019 outlook calls for a total of 14 named Atlantic storms, seven hurricanes and three “major” hurricanes. That forecast is slightly above the 30-year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or stronger which means winds greater than 111 mph.
Unfortunately, no forecast can accurately predict the future. The lifesaving approach is to expect the unexpected and prepare in advance for the possibility of a power outage. Gather your hurricane supplies now. Water and plywood sell out when storms threaten. It’s essential to stock non-perishable food to sustain each family member for at least three days. If you need guidance, view SECO’s Emergency Preparation Checklist online.
Whether you plan to evacuate or stay put during a major event, enroll in outage notifications through StormCenter. Choose email, voice or text message – or all three. Take a tour of the outage map. Search for and bookmark your address. Create a SECO Energy StormCenter icon on the home screen of your smartphone or tablet.
We’ve added a new StormCenter feature. You can now check the status of a reported power outage. Visit StormCenter, click on “Check Status.” Input your last name and house number, account number or phone number on record.
StormCenter provides updates that include the time the outage began, estimated restoration time, crew status, cause if identified and when the outage was restored.
SECO has developed one of the nation’s most comprehensive Emergency Restoration Plans to respond to major storm damage. Restoring service to the largest number of members in the quickest amount of time is our goal, but with required priorities for shelters, schools, hospitals and government buildings.
If you or a family member have special needs, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org to locate your county and join the statewide Special Needs Registry. Other valuable resources for emergency planning are the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.
Don’t be caught unprepared for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. SECO Energy is StormReady and equipped to respond quickly to outages affecting members. We are here for you. It is our privilege to serve your family’s energy needs.
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc – an example of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Jerry is dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
JERRY BOLDUC – LEAD PROJECT ENGINEER
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS
“SECO is amazing.”
SECO Champion Jerry Bolduc is a Lead Project Engineer at our SECO Headquarters. Before working at SECO, Jerry was employed by a large investor-owned utility. As a SECO member and an employee, he appreciates the cooperative difference in service that SECO offers members. During the three back-to-back hurricanes in 2004, Jerry assessed damaged areas and directed contract crews across the service territory. He was amazed by SECO’s storm response and the efficiency and organization shown during major restoration efforts. Originally from Canada, Jerry moved to Central Florida 20 years ago. He has participated in Ironman Triathlon Events including Escape from Alcatraz where he swam with sharks in San Francisco Bay. Jerry enjoys working in the field in sunny Florida (no snow) and is proud to be a SECO member, too.
HVAC TUNE-UP AND FILTER CHANGE
Summer heat is quickly approaching. Weather.com predicts June through August temperatures will be above average in our area. Before your HVAC system begins its summer workout, schedule a tune-up with a reputable HVAC technician.
The technician should thoroughly inspect your HVAC to ensure it’s in good running condition. The system may need to be cleaned or serviced. Preventative maintenance is easier on the wallet than major repairs down the road. A well-tuned HVAC runs more efficiently, uses less energy and saves on cooling and heating costs.
Is it time to change your HVAC filter? A clean HVAC filter also helps your system run efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and change filters as recommended.
POWER LINE SAFETY
Downed power lines are a safety hazard. Car accidents involving power poles, trees taking down a line or poles broken by heavy wind or rain have the potential to bring us too close to electric lines.
Electric energy can burn, shock, injure or kill you. Never assume a power line is safe to touch. Always assume a power line is live and has the ability to harm you. Children are especially curious and may knowingly or unknowingly approach a downed line. Talk with your kids and grandkids about the dangers of downed power lines.
Warn children to never play near or on substation fencing. Do not climb trees near power lines or allow kites, toy planes or balloons to touch power lines. Don’t release helium balloons at a birthday party or other celebration. These can tangle in lines or become deadly for Florida wildlife.
If you see a downed line, stay away and warn others away as well. Call 911 immediately to report the downed line.
RELAY FOR LIFE – 6TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Thank you to all players, sponsors and employees who participated in SECO Energy’s 6th Annual Relay For Life Golf Tournament “Tee-Up for a Cure” at Arlington Ridge Golf Club in Leesburg on Saturday, May 4th. Players enjoyed 18-holes of golf, chance to win door prizes and fellowship.
The Relay For Life Golf Tournament sponsored by SECO raised $16,600 for the American Cancer Society.
SECO and its employees are long-time supporters of the American Cancer Society and its premier annual Relay For Life events. Join SECO and its Commitment to Community by partnering with your not-for-profit cooperative on a virtual SECO Relay For Life team.
Join a SECO Energy team by visiting Relay.ACSevents.org and look for “Find a Participant or Team” and choose “Team.” Enter team name: “SECO Energy” and click “Search.” Choose a local Relay event and virtually join Team SECO and the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer.
During its recent annual awards celebration, the United Way of Marion County named SECO Energy the 2018 Outstanding Commercial Partner. Over the years, SECO employees have pledged nearly $850,000 to United Ways in our service area. Marion County is home to many of SECO’s employees, so it’s no surprise that they would pledge their support where they raise their families.
The award was presented to SECO’s Senior Consultant for Civic, Charitable & Government Relations Kathy Judkins who serves on the United Way Board of Directors. Kathy keeps SECO Energy apprised of community needs and helps the cooperative maintain a strong relationship with United Way of Marion County and all of the United Way partners across SECO’s service area.
SECO Energy CEO Jim Duncan stated, “Kathy’s passion for community support and service makes her an ideal employee to organize and execute SECO’s annual United Way campaign drive. SECO recently raised $19,970 in employee pledges for the United Way of Marion County alone.” In total, the cooperative’s employees pledged $66,000 to be distributed among a number of United Ways across Central Florida.
SECO Energy is proud to partner with United Way to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Visit our Community page to learn more about the not-for-profit cooperative’s community outreach efforts. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to have your bill rounded up to the nearest dollar and donate the extra pennies for worthy causes like bill payment assistance for members in need. Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
SECO Energy is partnering with local United Way agencies during its Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 23, 2019, with a food donation drive to help restock local food pantries. Food donation drop-offs will be situated near parking areas between registration and the big American flag displays.
“Feeding the Cooperative Spirit” is the theme for this year’s Annual Meeting and is also a mission. Many local food banks are running desperately low on critical need food items. These shortages compromise their ability to support area residents. SECO and its local United Way partners have a plan to change that.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “This year’s Annual Meeting is a perfect opportunity for community-minded members and guests, along with SECO and the United Way, to fill a community need. Almost 7,000 members and guests attended last year’s Annual Meeting, and we are expecting an even larger crowd this year. Please donate canned, boxed or jarred foods upon arrival at this year’s Annual Meeting food drive. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the communities we serve.”
Consider donating low-sodium, low-sugar options including canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups and stews. Canned or dried beans, whole grains such as oatmeal, rice and pasta, assorted baby foods and prepared meals are also good options.
Gates and registration open at 8 a.m. To register bring a copy of your bill and photo ID. Members who attend the meeting are treated to hot sausage egg and cheese biscuits, cookies, doughnuts, coffee and soft drinks, a SECO gift and a 2018 Annual Report. Find a seat in the Annual Meeting Pavilion because Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive will be center stage. Visit the Energy Showcase for energy efficiency ideas and product information from SECO’s partners, and pick up a free LED provided by our wholesale provider Seminole Electric.
Members are invited to stroll the grounds and locate a member of the Facebook Help Squad. Snap a selfie or take a picture while at the Annual Meeting and post it on SECO’s Facebook page for the chance to win a $300 bill credit. Be sure to “like” SECO’s Facebook page before the meeting begins.
The business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. Toward the end of the business meeting, members will be asked to vote on the Board-recommended Articles of Incorporation amendment and related Bylaws revision. After the votes, the drawing for grand and door prizes begins. Grand prizes this year include a refurbished 2009 Ford SuperCab 4X4, a gas-powered golf cart and $1,500 cash. Door prizes include cash, gift cards and assorted high-tech items.
Click on the RSVP home page banner to RSVP online before the meeting to help SECO with breakfast and gift headcount. Members who RSVP online are entered in a drawing for a $300 bill credit. As with all other prizes you must be present to win.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.
I would like to extend a personal invitation to join us for our 81st Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23. Gates and registration open at 8 a.m. and the business meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. SECO’s ever-hospitable, friendly employees are excited to host members and guests on Annual Meeting day.
RSVP online if you plan to attend. The online RSVP is for breakfast and gift headcount only. You will still need to register upon arrival. To RSVP online or click on the RSVP home page banner. You’ll be entered in a $300 bill credit prize drawing and must be present at the meeting to win.
The theme of this year’s meeting is also a mission: “Feeding the Cooperative Spirit.” Many local food pantries are experiencing critical food shortages that compromise their ability to support area residents. Join SECO, the United Way and your fellow members to help restock local food dispensaries in the counties we serve. Consider donating healthy options including meats and vegetables; grains (oatmeal, rice, pasta); baby food and canned meals (soups, stews). United Way and local food pantry volunteers will be on-hand to collect your donated items at food drop-offs located near the big American flags in the parking areas.
Speaking of food, we are serving the now-famous “big breakfast biscuit” (sausage, egg and cheese – one per person please). You’ll also find cookies, doughnuts, coffee and sodas. Limited picnic and high top tables are available on the south side of the Annual Meeting Pavilion. You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets, folding/camp chairs or grab a seat under the Pavilion.
To register, bring a copy of your bill. A photo ID is required. At registration, pick up a ticket set for breakfast, gifts and door prizes. Immediately after registration, you’ll drop your door prize ticket in the prize barrel at Station 1 and proceed to Station 2 to pick up your SECO gift bag. Inside you’ll find Voting Packets for the Board-recommended Articles of Incorporation amendment and the corresponding Bylaws revision. You’ll also find a copy of our 2018 Annual Report.
Scout a good seat early. Visit our Energy Showcase before the business meeting begins to learn more about energy efficiency, visit with our partners and pick up a free LED provided by our wholesale power provider Seminole Electric Cooperative. Tap your toes, sing along or dance to live music provided by member-favorite Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive Band.
Take a stroll and locate a member of our Facebook Help Squad. Snap a selfie or pose for a picture with a SECO photo frame. Members who “like” SECO’s Facebook page and post a photo or comment during the Annual Meeting on our page are entered into a drawing for a $300 bill credit.
You must be present to win, so I hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
SECO CHAMPIONS – 400+ SECO EMPLOYEES
SECO’s 400+ employees are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
Thousands of members and guests join SECO Energy and its 400+ employees at our Annual Meetings. Members are surveyed about their Annual Meeting experience after the event, and they are not shy about sharing their feedback. Members enjoy the cooperative update, the breakfast biscuits and snacks, the live entertainment and learning about energy efficiency ideas at our Energy Showcase.
But hands-down, the highest-rated Annual Meeting experience is our members’ interactions with, and the hospitality provided by, our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Our group of hard working, local folks provide top-notch customer service to our members. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, SECO is proud of each employee and his/her work that helps pen our cooperative’s success stories – the stories of SECO Energy Champions.
Join us at our 81st Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 23, to interact with our employees and enjoy SECO hospitality at its finest. See you there!
SECO Energy employees generously donated over $66,000 to local United Way agencies for the employee-led 2019 United Way Pledge Drive. Employee generosity increased dramatically this year with a $13,000 or 25 percent increase over the 2018 pledge amount.
SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the seven counties served by the cooperative, which delivers reliable, affordable power to over 200,000 Central Florida families and businesses. During the pledge drive, employees who contribute are able to choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.
The bulk of SECO members reside in Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties and the majority of SECO employees live and work in these counties as well. In Citrus County, employees pledged $6,656; in Lake County, employees pledged $15,591; in Marion County, employees pledged $19,790; in Sumter County, employees pledged $20,598; and other regional counties received $3,484.
United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Education, income and health are the United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way to find a local branch, volunteer or donate.
CEO Jim Duncan stated, “During this Christmas season, let us all pledge to give back within our local communities. SECO employees are blessed with a giving spirit. Their increased pledges represent substantial individual generosity toward the collective goal of assisting others who are less fortunate. Our employees’ pledges will make a difference in the lives of those in need across our service territory.”
Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs Kathy Judkins manages SECO’s giving programs, and is a board member of a local United Way agency. Judkins stated, “I know first-hand that every donation provides solutions to health and human services in our community. It is all of us giving collectively to a local cause that unites us.”
SECO members can donate their extra pennies to help fellow members in need or to support local, worthy causes – by enrolling in SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program. Once enrolled, members’ bills are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies provide assistance through the Angel Fund.
Angel Funds are used to provide bill payment assistance to members, help those in dire and unique circumstances or support other causes in the counties we serve. Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 2-1-1.
“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates. Visit our Community page online to learn more about SECO’s corporate citizenship and other community outreach initiatives.
SECO Energy employees are here to fill the sleigh with toys collected for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. As a Marine myself, Toys for Tots is particularly special to me. Our employees have also embraced Toys for Tots because they know the organization is delivering Christmas morning happiness to children in our local communities.
Toys for Tots plays Santa for thousands of less-fortunate children. Toy donation boxes were made available in all Member Service Centers through early December for employees and members alike to donate new, unwrapped toys to this worthy cause.
The collected toys remain right here in our local communities to be distributed to local children. Hundreds of employees and members displayed their Christmas spirit by dropping a toy or two into the Toys for Tots collection box. The number of new bikes donated by our employees this year is definitely a record-setter. For thousands of children, the donated toys are the only gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree.
I believe Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame said it best, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” Many of our employees and members do a little extra for others by contributing to Toys for Tots every year. I thank you all for your generosity and willingness to give.
From the SECO family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Meet SECO Champions Kathy and Kurt – two examples of our 400+ SECO Champion employees. Kathy and Kurt are dedicated to providing exceptional service to members, co-workers and communities.
KATHY POSSO – MEMBER SERVICES SUPERVISOR
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 4 YEARS
“We’re here for members.”
Member Services Supervisor Kathy Posso is a SECO Champion who is a friendly face assisting members in our Sumterville Member Service Center. In 2005, Kathy’s family moved to Central Florida, and she joined the SECO team in 2014. In 2017 during Hurricane Irma restoration, Kathy was especially humbled by members’ stories of devastation after the storm. Kathy’s passion is helping members. She recalls a time when a member who recently lost a spouse was grateful when she took extra time to help him read and understand the bill and complete a payment. Kathy and her husband are leaders at their church. Kathy’s family is proud that she works for SECO Energy, a cooperative that believes in putting members first and also appreciates and recognizes its employees.
KURT CAMPBELL – R&D TECHNICIAN
LENGTH OF SERVICE – 14 YEARS
“My family is proud.”
SECO Champion Kurt Campbell is an R&D Technician working throughout Sumter, Lake and Citrus Counties performing meter work to ensure accurate account billing. During Hurricane Irma restoration in 2017, Kurt worked with the warehouse team transporting supplies to crews restoring power in the field. Kurt interacts with members every day and is grateful that he was on-hand during several emergency situations. While waiting for emergency personnel, Kurt comforted a member whose husband suffered a stroke. He has also helped members with vehicle trouble. Kurt was born and raised in Sumter County and lives with his family in Coleman. Kurt says his family is glad to know that he is part of the effort to restore power to SECO members after a hurricane or major storm.
UNITED WAY
SECO Energy employees are truly blessed with a giving spirit. Our 2019 United Way Pledge Drive was an overwhelming success. Employees pledged over $66,000 to United Way – a $13,000 or 25 percent increase from last year.
The pledges will make a big difference in the lives of those in need in our service territory. SECO’s 400+ employees live in or near the counties we serve, and employees are able to choose the county where their donated dollars will benefit.
Citrus, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties are the four counties in our service area with the highest member count. The majority of our employees live and work in these four counties as well.
United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. Education, income and health are the United Way’s key focuses. Visit United Way online to find a local branch, register to volunteer or to donate.
Donate your extra pennies to help your fellow SECO Energy members in need or to support worthy causes right here in our service territory. Enroll in Pennies from Heaven to have your monthly bill automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar. The donated pennies provide financial assistance through the Angel Fund.
Angel Funds are used to provide bill payment assistance to members, help those in dire and unique circumstances or support other worthy causes in the counties we serve. Requests for Angel Fund assistance are administered through several local agencies by calling 2-1-1.
LENDING A HAND IN NORTH FLORIDA
On October 10, 2018, Category 4 Hurricane Michael blazed a deadly path through North Florida, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Destructive and deadly, Michael left 400,000 Floridians without power for weeks.
The day after Hurricane Michael, a team of SECO employees voluntarily packed their bags, leaving their families to help our cooperative neighbors’ restoration efforts.
Initially, the module traveled to Tri-County Electric in Madison before trekking to Talquin Electric Cooperative near Tallahassee. Additional line techs and warehouse personnel joined the module, and some returned home while additional employees accompanied the group as it traveled to assist Gulf Coast Electric in Wewahitchka.
SECO is very proud of our employees’ willingness to assist our cooperative neighbors. 53 SECO employees (named below) worked an almost four-week restoration effort assisting three cooperatives restoring power to thousands.
It’s time to bid farewell to 2017 and welcome 2018 as the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach. Dreaming of a white Christmas in Florida is probably a long-shot, but with the help of our charitable SECO employees, dreaming of a giving Christmas is a reality. SECO employees, myself included, renewed their commitment to local communities through their generous pledges to United Way in the new year.
SECO employees pledged $52,214 for United Way’s 2018 Live United campaign. Every dollar contributed by SECO employees is used to endow service programs that benefit the residents in the counties we serve and in our footprint. Much of the funding is locally designated by each employee to the agency of their choice and administered through United Way. Yearly, 61 million people across the world benefit from the programs and services funded by the United Way.
Every penny makes a difference. Would you like your small change to make a difference in your community? Enroll in SECO’s Pennies from Heaven program and round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar. Every penny collected through Pennies from Heaven is distributed locally to directly benefit SECO members. The donated funds may be used to purchase emergency medical supplies, support charitable organizations or provide bill payment assistance to your fellow members experiencing dire and unique circumstances. Enroll online or give us a call.
To learn more about United Way, find a volunteer opportunity or to be connected with a local agency, visit www.UnitedWay.org.
I couldn’t be prouder of our employees’ goodwill toward others, and I am grateful to work with employees who care about our members and our communities. I applaud our employees’ generous spirit with their promise of $52,214 to support United Way’s 2018 campaign. This giving spirit reflects the very essence of our not-for-profit electric cooperative business model.
May peace, love and prosperity follow you all through the year. From our SECO family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year.
Jim Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
Toys for Tots — “SECO Claus Delivers”
In early November, it began to feel a lot like Christmas as hundreds of SECO employees performed the role of Santa Claus for SECO’s yearly toy drive. SECO chooses to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program which collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them as Christmas gifts to local children in need who live in the communities we serve.
The halls were decked, and Christmas joy and cheer were present at all SECO locations. Our perpetually generous employees donated hundreds of toys for needy children in Sumter, Lake, Marion and Citrus Counties. Each of our five Member Service Centers were open to the public as local Toys for Tots drop-off locations, and many charitable SECO members donated toys as well.
As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO adheres to the seven key cooperative principles – one of which is Concern for Community. SECO employees personally demonstrate their Concern for Community by volunteering their time and supporting community involvement projects in their areas. Our employees give generously during the Christmas season to the Toys for Tots toy drive and the United Way as referenced on the front page.
Employees donned their Santa hats, and smiled for the camera while displaying the toys gathered across the cooperative. The toys collected through Toys for Tots will bring joy to thousands of local children who will wake up to presents under the tree on Christmas morning.
SECO Energy’s yearly United Way pledge drive concluded on Giving Tuesday, and once again SECO employees demonstrated their personal commitment to local communities by pledging generously. This year, SECO employees pledged $52,214 for United Way’s 2018 Live United campaign.
The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is recognized as Giving Tuesday – a global giving movement to help neighbors in need. SECO employees’ pledges aid in endowing local service programs benefitting the communities in SECO’s footprint and beyond. The United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Yearly, 61 million people across the world benefit from the programs and services funded by the United Way.
Much of the pledged funding is locally designated by each employee to the agency of their choice and administered through the United Way. 2018’s United Way campaign hit close to home for SECO employees who witnessed first-hand the devastation from Hurricane Irma this summer. As of Giving Tuesday 2018, the cooperative’s employees had topped the 2017 pledges of $50,171 – beating it by $2,043.
CEO Jim Duncan states, “SECO employees consistently display their goodwill toward others, and I am grateful to work with employees who care about our members and our communities. I applaud our employees’ generous spirit with their promise of $52,214 to support local United Ways. This giving spirit reflects the very essence of our not-for-profit electric cooperative business model.”
Kathy Judkins, SECO Energy’s Deputy Director of Civic, Charitable and Government Affairs stated, “On Giving Tuesday, commit to volunteering your time or donating monetarily to help others in need. I am so proud of SECO employees’ willingness to share a portion of their paycheck with local communities through their United Way pledges, and through their personal altruistic endeavors throughout the year.”
SECO Energy’s yearly